Three Matters decided by the Virginia Governor’s Council July 9, 1640

This is a story of three indentured servants who run away from their master, are caught 10 days later and brought before the court to decide their fate. This is also the first know legal distinction between white and black servants legally defining the black servant as a slave. As a result of this ruling, the black servant is sentenced to life slavery while the two other men, being white, receive increased time as indentured servants.

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Treaty of Paris 1763

This treaty marked the end of the French & Indian War between France and England. It is significant to Michigan which was a French territory until this treaty was signed.

Sommersett v Stewart (1772)

This ruling in British courts determined that slavery in England could not be supported by common law. This legal success of Somerset and his abolitionist backers raised the moral question of slavery

Northwest Ordinance of 1787

This ordinance led to the creation of new states in this area and the expansion of civil liberties including outlawing slavery. In reality, slavery still occurred in Michigan well into the 1830s.